Jamestown residents living near Chadakoin Park, recently came together to voice their concerns regarding necessary upgrades to the playground equipment at the park.

According to Chloe Smith, safety is the group’s first concern.

“The existing playground is fifteen years old and some of the aging equipment has become less safe over time. Many children and families use the playground and it is our desire to create a safe environment for them to be able to play,” Smith said.

Together with Smith, Vickye James and Regina Brackman formed a committee to raise money to purchase and put together new playground equipment. The group recently held a meeting at Love Elementary School to discuss the project.

In an interview with The Post-Journal, James said a representative from Parkitects, Inc. and John Williams, City of Jamestown Park Manager, have already created a draft design for the park with input from community members: the price tag on the project, an estimated $155,000.

While the group hopes to host a fundraiser in September, a pass through fund has already been established at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation for people to make donations.

“The Chadakoin Park Playground Rebuild Project Fundis just another wonderful example of what happens when a community comes together to do good for others. We are thrilled to be able to partner with them to help create a safe place for families and their children,” said Randy Sweeney, Community Foundation executive director.

“We are excited to have the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation assisting with yet another playground project that we are confident will be quite successful,” Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi said. “As a matter of fact, this is the second time that the residents on the north side of Jamestown are coming together to improve the playground at Chadakoin Park. Vickye James and Regina Brackman helped lead the effort back in the late 1990s, and they are spearheading the project again. We look forward to working with them in the coming months in hopes of building what they inform me will be the best playground in the city”